Comments for BLEgroup http://blegroup.com Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:58:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Comment on What is the Right Test? The Evolving Adaptive Nature of Assessment by blegroup http://blegroup.com/what-is-the-right-test-the-evolving-adaptive-nature-of-assessment/#comment-11 blegroup Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:58:06 +0000 http://blegroup.com/?p=257#comment-11 Mary Krisko, Ph.D.m Washakie County School District #1 Curriculum Director and Grant Manager responded to this article with the following: After reading your article I realized that I have difficulty equating formative and benchmark assessments. Although both show whether the standard is learned, there is a distinct difference between the two. You described (quite well) benchmark assessments – a finer grain of standard/benchmark mastery than a summative assessment. But…formative assessment provides a different flavor of information for a teacher. Formative assessment is a continuous practice – not necessarily a 3 or 4 times a year testing. It is a part of learning and supports learning during the learning process. As a quick “check for understanding,” this type of assessment directs/guides the teacher to the next step, through correctives/enrichments or moving forward, as well as decision-making about efficacious instructional practices. The frequent use of formative assessments varies considerably and can be used to understand the level of mastery for each student, affording the opportunity for individualizing and/or differentiating instruction. Various formative assessment strategies to check for understanding include practices as summaries, reflections, graphic organizers, making connections, etc. and cab be used as frequently as the teacher finds necessary. Mary Krisko, Ph.D.m Washakie County School District #1 Curriculum Director and Grant Manager responded to this article with the following:
After reading your article I realized that I have difficulty equating formative and benchmark assessments. Although both show whether the standard is learned, there is a distinct difference between the two. You described (quite well) benchmark assessments – a finer grain of standard/benchmark mastery than a summative assessment. But…formative assessment provides a different flavor of information for a teacher.

Formative assessment is a continuous practice – not necessarily a 3 or 4 times a year testing. It is a part of learning and supports learning during the learning process. As a quick “check for understanding,” this type of assessment directs/guides the teacher to the next step, through correctives/enrichments or moving forward, as well as decision-making about efficacious instructional practices. The frequent use of formative assessments varies considerably and can be used to understand the level of mastery for each student, affording the opportunity for individualizing and/or differentiating instruction. Various formative assessment strategies to check for understanding include practices as summaries, reflections, graphic organizers, making connections, etc. and cab be used as frequently as the teacher finds necessary.

]]> Comment on What is the Right Test? The Evolving Adaptive Nature of Assessment by Christine Losq http://blegroup.com/what-is-the-right-test-the-evolving-adaptive-nature-of-assessment/#comment-9 Christine Losq Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:26:40 +0000 http://blegroup.com/?p=257#comment-9 Thank you for posting this insightful analysis of what ed tech currently offers by way of assessment. Our focus, based on years of classroom study, is on diagnostic assessment. Now available on line, MathCoach Diagnostic Assessment for Kindergarten through Grade 5, offers both the quiz and the "What now" solution. After students take a quiz (selected by grade level and by topic), our system automatically calls up just the right lessons to address the learning gaps. Thank you for posting this insightful analysis of what ed tech currently offers by way of assessment. Our focus, based on years of classroom study, is on diagnostic assessment. Now available on line, MathCoach Diagnostic Assessment for Kindergarten through Grade 5, offers both the quiz and the “What now” solution. After students take a quiz (selected by grade level and by topic), our system automatically calls up just the right lessons to address the learning gaps.

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